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Mars existed for millions of years as a desolate planet, totally devoid of life. Then, in 2051, humans arrived and changed the Martian landscape forever. The first Earth colonists were groups of hopeful pioneers, dedicated to bringing humanity to the Red Planet.

Humans and animals inhabited small, scattered enclaves, restricted to localized regions given a breathable atmosphere by controlled growth of plant organisms. As more colonists arrived, settlements were heavily developed and expanded. Research centers, agricultural zones and large residential areas were built, until the settlements grew to become sprawling cities.

The colonists flourished, ushering in a new age of scientific advancement and prosperity. The ultimate objective of turning Mars into a new, self-sufficient Earth seemed close at hand.

Seven decades after the first settlers arrived, disaster struck. In a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions, the Red Planet tilted on its axis and left its original orbit.

Now positioned closer to the Sun, the thin Martian atmosphere was unable to filter out the dangerous radiation. The colonists were plunged into chaos. The Sun’s deadly rays inflicted death and destruction on the planet, decimating the colonist population. Those living within the relative safety of the shielded cities were able to survive, avoiding the horrific radiation.

Survivors “lucky” enough to survive their exposure to radiation underwent terrible mutations. These unfortunate souls were forced to work as slaves by the untouched humans, ostracized by those they once lived with as equals.

Beyond the awful destruction inflicted, the catastrophe had another effect. All communications with Earth, which had been previously sending precious supplies, were cut off entirely. Raw materials, such as wood and oil, became scarce. Everything now had to be recycled from what already existed on the Red Planet, and the colonists quickly entered a technological Dark Age.

Functioning relics of technology from before the catastrophe were rare. A group was formed to act as the librarians and sole guardians of these relics – they became known as the Technomancers. Members of this secretive group are capable of wielding powerful electrical powers, making them feared warriors.

Of all resources that became scarce, one had far greater impact than the others. Water was vital to the ongoing survival of the colonists, but supply and production was simply too low to support the population.

The rare, still-operational water production plants were being handled by the company now known as Abundance. However, over time, these plants became fiercely-contested control points. Various other companies with varying philosophies - but equally lofty ambitions - emerged, warring to take over any and all sources of water on the planet. One thing was clear: who controls the water, controls Mars.

Today, war continues to tear apart the people of the Red Planet. Earth remains out of contact, and Mars’ future seems bleak. For many, the last remaining cities are barely safer than the exposed wastelands.

Years of poverty and neglect have seen the rise of vast slums, where crime is rampant and lives are cheap. Thieves and murderers terrorize every neighborhood. And, if you believe the rumors, far worse dangers lurk in the deeper parts of the cities.

The Technomancer begins with young recruit Zachariah, working for the oldest water company Abundance and on the brink of becoming a full-fledged Technomancer. Following his initiation, he must journey across Mars and do everything in his power to preserve the Technomancers’ terrible secret. Relentlessly pursued by secret police, this quest will take Zach across deadly wastes, through abandoned settlements and forgotten cities.

Attempting to understand the newly-learned secret behind the Technomancers and re-establish contact with Earth, Zach’s actions will determine the ultimate fate of the Red Planet…

Forge the destiny of Mars in The Technomancer, available June 28 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.